Here on my blog I generally talk about dog training, but on Facebook, I cover a good deal more territory.
The following conversation is one of a regular series of conversations that I have with my 13-year-old dog, Raika. Some of our conversations are funny and some are sad, but many will ring true for anyone who has the pleasure, and heartbreak, of owning a dog coming near the end of her life.
I am placing this conversation here so that others can find it again, should they want to read it in the future, quite possibly when they find themselves facing their own dog’s molecular redistribution. You can find more by searching #Raika on Facebook or simply following me there.
Molecular Redistribution:
Raika: When I go through my molecular redistribution, I am going to give Brito my quietness.
Mom: Your molecular redistribution?
Raika: Yes, when my molecules get redistributed wherever they are needed. I will give Brito my quiet voice. He sure needs it. And I think I will give Lyra my loyalty so she can help take care of you.
Mom: Raika, I truly have no idea what you’re talking about.
Raika: Don’t you remember your molecular acquisition day?
Mom: As a matter fact, I do not. Go right ahead and explain it to me.
Raika: Well, right before I was born, I got my personality molecules. My emotions, my habits, my clever nature; little things like that. The bits that make me, me!
Mom: You did?
Raika: Of course. Didn’t that happen to you right before you were born?
Mom: I have no idea. I cannot remember before I was born.
Raika: That has got to be one of the saddest things I’ve ever heard! I’m very sorry about that. Molecular acquisition day was probably the most exciting day of my life! As each one came, I learned a little bit more and became a bit more me. I found out that I was going to be witty and sharp and an amazing problem solver. Plus I knew I was going to be a little bit bossy. That’s why I pushed my way to the front of the line; I figured I better show my littermates the way out. No time like the present to get started on your destiny.
Mom: Where did your molecules come from?
Raika: From dogs that have passed on. When their body is gone then their personality molecules get distributed wherever they are needed.
Mom: So they go to puppies?
Raika: Not necessarily. For example, if an adult dog is grumpy, and if he is working on it, then he might get a cheerful molecule to help with his grumpiness, even though he’s all grown up. Of course, the one that happens right before birth is the big one and sets the stage, but the distribution process never truly ends, which is why we can grow and change. In short, the redistribution keeps all of the personality traits of the world in balance.
Mom: Raika, I can’t believe you never told me this before. So that’s what happens after you die? You go through a molecular redistribution? And you give all of your personality molecules to wherever they are needed?
Raika: Well I can’t say I know the exact process because my time hasn’t come yet. I know how we get them, but not how we give them away. But when the time comes, I’ll give you a few molecules for sure.
Mom: You can give me your molecules?
Raika: I think so. I think you might need some small bits of me to help you with the sadness. And I’ll request that they be lodged directly in your heart, so you’ll feel me near.
Raika: Mom are you crying? Don’t cry!
Mom: I’m not crying. Just a little cold is making my eyes water.
Raika: I’m sorry to hear that. Maybe a walk and some fresh air will do you good?
Mom: Yes, that’s probably a good plan. And Raika?
Raika: Yeah?
Mom: I think you’re right. When the time comes I’m going to need those molecules. Probably a lot of them. So don’t forget, okay?
Raika: I won’t forget.
Far and away the best piece ever about coping with a beloved four legged’s death. There is so very much out there, and nothing has ever spoken to me until this. This touches me deeply and profoundly. Wow. Just wow.
TEARS
Holy smokes woman…made me cry, made me laugh. I only hope that I have a few molecules from the wonderful dogs out of my past. Katie, Rager, Jack, Olive…I hope it is so.
Oh my gosh! That is the best explanation for when our pets pass . . . . . .LOVE this!!!! I am crying . . . it rings so true! Thank you so much for posting. May I share on FB?
Help yourself. If even one person feels a little bit better after their pet passes for reading this, it was worth writing.
My father just passed. Wonder if this applies to humans too? Would be nice to think so….
I hope, I hope something of this is true in some mystical way. I know I carry memories of dogs in my heart but when I am gone that last little bit of them is gone too. Better they and their love be cycled through life again bringing their love to others again. Very sweet essay.
i absolutely loved,and love, this,just as I love all of your conversations w/Raika. i have always known that those that love us never really leave us.
Thank you 💞
OMG! I sent this on to several friends, one who recently lost a heart dog and another that was fast becoming one. The 2nd was also my young dogs father, so it hit me hard too. When I lost my heart dog, my 2nd dog, who was always afraid of her shadow, suddenly changed. She became braver. Perhaps she got some of the deceased’s brave molecules…
Thank you for all you write and do.
Hey Denise my eyes are watering. I lost my heart dog last year and just when I thought I was almost over him I read this. I used to sing him a little song when he got older when we played. “I wanna do one more time, one more time with you.” One day I never got that one more time.
Very wise. This is a Buddhist belief. That the molecules of us are distributed. Cass
Sent from my iPhone
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WOW! What a heartwarming, sensitive conversation! My eyes are foggy as I share it on FB.
This blog is just….well, fabulous! Thank you!
this was so helpful. I lost my beloved Nitro, the Aussie in my photo, on the 22nd. I knew it was coming, but I wasn’t ready. Are we ever ready? My heart has gone into molecular redistribution, too.
Thank you
That was absolutely beautiful! I believe! Very well written!🐾❤️🐾
Your writing makes my face smile and my heart cry at the same time.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful gift so freely.
Thank you for sharing Raika’s wisdom!
Thought you might enjoy the post it sparked:
https://companioning.care/2018/05/08/what-happens-when-we-die-an-existential-exploration/
I have that plaque that talks about getting a piece of their heart and them taking a piece of my heart. This fits in perfectly. It ends with hoping that eventually I may become all dog!
A friend of mine sent me this right after I had to put my oldest dog down monday but I couldn’t read it. Today when I went to move our sheep her daughter, who has developed a habit in her old age to give up when the going gets tough, something her mother would NEVER have done, walked out there, picked up the stock, and brought them straight into the pen, quietly and with purpose. I laughed and said “thanks Shine Shine” (her mom) I thought she was like “oooh I feel much better now there is no more pain, I think I’ll work sheep again.” But now after reading your conversation, it could very well just be that she redistributed her plodding molecules to her daughter, cuz she knew she needed it…until the next young whipper snapper comes along to help around here. God I hope she passes on other molecules to whoever that pup is going to be! 😂💖
Denise, I must have read this at least once a week since I was told about it, after losing both Tonka and Pongo last year. I share it with everyone going through the “process”. Thank you for making it an article so it can easily be passed on.
It gives me such a sense of comfort; I can’t thank you and Raika enough for changing my perspective. It helped me open my mind to a new way of thinking, and opened my heart to learning to love Maeby.
This helps more than you’ll ever know. ♡ Thank you. ♡
thank you for taking the time to tell me that. I wish you well.
It took a year and a half after my Boston terrier, Chet Baker, left for me to be able to open my heart to a dog. I went to a shelter for this one. Here’s the post: https://juliezickefoose.blogspot.com/2019/02/making-leap.html
I dig your concept of molecular redistribution, and it is a great comfort to me as I embrace, love, and discover my new love, Curtis Loew. Thank you for a wonderful post. One of my blog readers pointed me here. Keep up your wonderful work.
It can be a very hard time. I’m glad you got there 🙂
❤️